All Quiet on the Western Front

Universal Pictures | Release Date: August 24, 1930

8.4	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 42 Ratings

USER RATING DISTRIBUTION

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Watch Now

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Review this movie

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Please sign in or create an account before writing a review.

Check box if your review contains spoilers

0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User score By date Most helpful

JP32Mar 25, 2020

All Quiet on the Western Front is extremely assured. It has the David Lean-ian breadth of scope, the Spielberg-ian iconography (a masterful sequence follows a pair of boots' point of view through the war), and the kind of filmmaking craftAll Quiet on the Western Front is extremely assured. It has the David Lean-ian breadth of scope, the Spielberg-ian iconography (a masterful sequence follows a pair of boots' point of view through the war), and the kind of filmmaking craft that doesn't even seem possible from a movie made in 1929.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

Compi24Aug 5, 2019

As with most pre-Code films, the last thing you'll ever get is a diluted message, and "All Quiet On The Western Front" is most definitely not an exception in that regard. Honestly, though, the mature, ahead-of-its-time thematic statement wasAs with most pre-Code films, the last thing you'll ever get is a diluted message, and "All Quiet On The Western Front" is most definitely not an exception in that regard. Honestly, though, the mature, ahead-of-its-time thematic statement was one of the only reasons I ended up liking this movie as much as I did. I understand that, in the 30's, this was still a blossoming medium, with a lot of filmmaking techniques still in their prototypical phases. But damn it, man. Some of the acting in this is just so hammy, overly thespian, and plain bad. I can't help but dock points for it. Especially when other pre-Code films that I happen to really enjoy ("Scarface," "The Champ," etc.) appear to excel in this regard. Still though, the ideas are clear, concise, and almost anachronistically potent, featuring a series of narrative events that really help to sell an overall sense of meaningful sadness. I just wish those events were staged and performed with a bit more consistency.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

gracjanskiOct 8, 2022

In 1930 this movie was surely a masterpiece. The story and the development of the characters are very interesting and shows a bit of a history during the 1st WW.
The only thing I noticed while watching it the 2nd time is, that the movie couldIn 1930 this movie was surely a masterpiece. The story and the development of the characters are very interesting and shows a bit of a history during the 1st WW.
The only thing I noticed while watching it the 2nd time is, that the movie could be shorter, some scenes were too long or redundant. Some acting was also bad or outdated.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

Kai82Nov 24, 2021

A magnificent movie that captures the grim reality of war. It is based on the book of the same name from German author Erich Maria Remarque who actually served in World War 1. Both media are true classics and were banned back then in GermanyA magnificent movie that captures the grim reality of war. It is based on the book of the same name from German author Erich Maria Remarque who actually served in World War 1. Both media are true classics and were banned back then in Germany as Hitler and the Nazi party were on the rise to power. Remarque had to leave Germany, his citizenship nullified and he would be executed if the Nazis got him. By the way: As an enteral shame for Germany no one in the government after World War 2 attempted to reinstall his citizenship. The movie is well crafted and delivers a timeless message. The story is set in World War 1. At school Professor Kantorek gives his near graduation class a passionate speech about the glory, honor and bravery to serve the fatherland in the army. Impressed by this the whole class led by Paul Bäumer enlist in the army. They become members of the second company and are sent to the battlefields of the war. The cruel and grim reality of war will catch up to them. The story is absolutely great. It completely destroys the illusions and fairy tales about war. For those who do not know or did no research: World War 1 was a nightmare. The war was stagnant as no side could overwhelm the enemy. It became a meat grinder and trench warfare that wasted so many lives. Hundreds of thousands were send to their dead by ignorant leaders. Sabaton made a great song with “The Price of a Mile” that also captures this waste of lives. Back to the review. It shows ruthless the suffering of the boys. It is dirty, grim, merciless and futility. The emotions and imagery are praiseworthy. In addition the great cast adds a lot to this. Lew Ayres as Paul Bäumer is mayor impressive. He delivers the full emotional impact of the role. Arnold Lucy as Professor Kantorek has just a smaller role but was so good I remember him today. Also remarkable are William Bakewell as Albert Kropp, Ben Alexander as Franz Kemmerich and Louis Wolheim as Stanislaus (Kat) Katczinsky. A truly great cast that improves the movie. I already praised the visuals and repeat that all sets look amazing. It enhances the atmosphere and seem real. The rest is history. It received the Oscar for the best movie and was forbidden in Germany by the Nazis. The latter is an indicator how good and truthful it was. The movie became a timeless classic and is still often in the best movie list of all times. Not in the top 10 but near always in the top 100. In Germany where I live it is standard to watch this movie in school. Overall this is a timeless classic and a must see for everyone. I recommend this movie for education alone.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

TOG212May 4, 2020

Honestly my favorite movie ever made. It's an amazing depiction of the depressing lives of soldier of WW1

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

Legion743Mar 3, 2023

The movie shows the hell of war which always leads to destruction and seffering. The filmmaking is top-noch

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews